So, one of the WiiUs biggest features is the ability to play a given game just on the GamePad, allowing someone else to watch TV, play another video game system, etc. There does seem to be a lot of confusion as to just which games support this feature and since some in the other threads were asking for a comprehensive thread / list of all the games that do support it, I decided to compose a list to use as a reference of all games known to have this.

Special thanks to the help of gaffers in the WiiU press thread and this GiantBomb list in helping me compose this list.

If I am missing anything at all, including 2013 titles confirmed to be compatible, feel free to tell me and I'll add it to the list. I'll try to keep this list constantly updated as more and more games come out with this feature. And I'm sorry for yet another WiiU thread in advance. ;)

Currently, you can buy Wii versions of virtual console games on the Wii Shop Channel in backwards compatibility mode. Most are hoping that one day, Nintendo will release Wii U versions of virtual console games on the Wii U eShop, allowing for Virtual Console play on the gamepad.

It does suck we can't play Wii games on the gamepad, though, especially since they got our hopes up by including a sensor bar in the gamepad. lol

In seeing the Ninja Gaiden 3 reviews, I didn't see that mentioned. Just move lists for the gamepad. I may have overlooked it. If true, it's on my radar again, at least for a rental.

Originally Posted by Why would you do that?

It does suck we can't play Wii games on the gamepad, though, especially since they got our hopes up by including a sensor bar in the gamepad. lol

The gamepad's sensor bar was never intended for this feature. Really, imagine putting the gamepad on a stand. Then picture taking a Wii remote and pointing at it. The reality of how awkward that would be on a 6.2" screen should set in.

Actually, at this point I think it'd be more beneficial to make a list of games that don't support off TV play. It's a pretty important feature of the console, and in a way, the list as is is similar to making a list of Wii games that use the Wii Nunchuck. lol

Those are pretty nice incentives for me to buy multiplatform games. If I'm a developer I'd rather make sure the game is playable off-play instead of adding tacky gamepad features. Menus are fine though.

I dunno, any game that can be played on the Gamepad screen is probably also a game that could be played entirely with the Pro controller, no pad required. Since ZombiU has the scanning stuff, and seems to be actually trying to validate the Wii U Gamepad as part of the gaming experience, having a pad-only mode wouldn't work as well.